Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Police raid prompts IMF’s Lagarde to speak out

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


 

 

         Police raid prompts IMF’s Lagarde to speak out

 
© AFP

IMF chief Christine Lagarde denied on Thursday any wrongdoing in the settling of a 2008 fraud case after police stepped up their investigation into the affair, searching the home of her former chief of staff, France Telecom CEO Stéphane Richard.

by Sophie Pilgrim

Christine Lagarde denied any wrongdoing Thursday for approving a 400 million euro payout to controversial business mogul Bernard Tapie – a close ally of then president Nicolas Sarkozy – in 2008 when France’s finance minister, as police stepped up their probe into the affair.

The International Monetary Fund chief spoke out after a police raid on the home of her former chief of staff, Stéphane Richard, who is now the CEO of France Telecom.

Christine Lagarde denied any wrongdoing Thursday for approving a 400 million euro payout to controversial business mogul Bernard Tapie – a close ally of then president Nicolas Sarkozy – in 2008 when France’s finance minister, as police stepped up their probe into the affair.

The International Monetary Fund chief spoke out after a police raid on the home of her former chief of staff, Stéphane Richard, who is now the CEO of France Telecom.

 

 

“It [the arbitration] was the best solution at the time and I believe I made the right choice,” Lagarde told France 2 television at the World Economic Forum in Davos, adding that she would cooperate with the authorities if and when needed to do so.

Lagarde is accused of overriding objections from advisers in settling the case with Tapie, who said that French bank Credit Lyonnais – then part state owned – had defrauded him in the 1993 sale of his stake in sports giant Adidas. Lagarde brought a swift end to the two-decade battle by settling out of court – a decision which led to the €285m payout, plus interest paid by taxpayers, to the business mogul.

‘Nothing new’

Lagarde said Thursday that “there is nothing new in the case” when queried about the raid, carried out by the brigade financière the French police force which investigates white-collar crime. Police were seen raiding the home of Richard – whose wealth in 2009 was estimated at 35 million euros by Challenges business magazine – on Thursday.

Police also raided the home of Tapie on Thursday.

Lagarde herself has yet to questioned by investigators. However, Socialist President François Hollande said in May 2011, “Everybody knows Lagarde was not behind this.” Hollande has instead pointed the finger of blame at Nicolas Sarkozy, who was president at the time of the settlement. Prominent Socialist Ségolène Royale (his former partner) was less cryptic and stated bluntly, “This was an order from Sarkozy.”

The inquiry was launched in 2011 following a demand by the (then opposition) Socialist Party.

Lagarde was made chief of the International Monetary Fund in 2011 after a scandal of another kind brought down her predecessor, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was accused of attempted rape. The charges were later dropped.

http://www.france24.com/en/20130125-imf-lagarde-tapie-police-raids-sarkozy-hollande-france-paris

 



Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes:

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.

Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.

Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.

Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.

Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.

Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.